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Hoka is undergoing a major overhaul for its Bondi everyday running franchise, the most significant upgrade coming in the form of a new supercritical foam.
The Hoka Bondi 9 not only switches from CMEVA to the more premium foam but also features an additional 2mm in stack height for that much more of a boost in cushioning. 55 percent recycled engineered mesh with zonal breathability makes for a more accommodating upper, and a 3D-molded collar arrives as another addition alongside a molded EVA sockliner. An extended heel pull also offers easier on and off.
Carrying over from the Bondi 8 is the heel-targeted Active Foot Frame and Hoka’s signature MetaRocker shape. Durabrason rubber focusing on high-wear areas makes a return for the outsole as well.
A men’s size 10 sits at 43mm with a 5mm drop, and a woman’s drops to 42mm with the same amount of drop. Total weight then comes in at 10.5 ounces and 9.3 ounces, respectively, which is down 0.9 ounces and 0.6 ounces from the Bondi 8.
For a men’s size 10, the heel sits at 43mm and drops to 38mm at the forefoot, while the weight comes in at 10.5 ounces (or 297 grams) . For a woman’s size 8, the height drops to 42mm and 37mm and the weight down to 9.3 ounces (or 263 grams).
Upon its debut, the Bondi 9 will drop in six colorways each for men and women. Most come in combinations of black and white or white and silver, but the more colorful variants come in an aqua “Blue Spark” (pictured in this article) and purple “Aster Flower” for women and blue “Drizzle” and aqua “Luna Moth” for men. Eight additional colorways for each will then follow from February through May.
The Hoka Bondi 9 will release January 15 through Hoka’s website and stores, as well as select third-party retailers. Pricing for men’s and women’s sizes is set at $170.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
